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AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Football Discussion _ [NT] National Team competitions

Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 6 2010, 05:37 PM

Here from the FIGC is Prandelli's first call up list for the Azzurri friendly against Ivory Coast (the game's Wed. Aug 10 at Upton Park):

QUOTE
Portieri: Marchetti (Cagliari), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna);
Difensori: Antonini (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Bonucci (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), Lucchini (Sampdoria), Molinaro (Stoccarda), Motta (Juventus);
Centrocampisti: De Rossi (Roma), Lazzari (Cagliari), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Juventus);
Attaccanti: Amauri (Juventus), Balotelli (Inter), Borriello (Milan), Cassano (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Napoli), Rossi (Villarreal).


Lots of new names in there, including Antonini.

No Pirlo (first time in ages for that). And both problem children (Cassano and Balotelli) are included.

Posted by: Dracoris Aug 6 2010, 06:05 PM

Im so happy for Antonini, I feel like a Father sending his kid off to college.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Aug 6 2010, 06:07 PM

QUOTE (Dracoris @ Aug 6 2010, 06:05 PM) *
Im so happy for Antonini, I feel like a Father sending his kid off to college.

lol, he's already 28 years old

Posted by: Dracoris Aug 6 2010, 06:29 PM

QUOTE (CHU-LIP @ Aug 6 2010, 01:07 PM) *
lol, he's already 28 years old


I feel like a father watching his kid graduate from med school?

Posted by: Dracoris Aug 10 2010, 09:39 PM

CIV 1- ITA 0

Despite the loss I think this Italian team looks head over heels better than their WC counterparts. I really like this team....and I really like Rossi. If you add some of the big names to the roster that we're missing (i.e. Pirlo) they could be really solid.


Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 10 2010, 09:42 PM

Only if they stop fielding all-gobbi backlines - who were again at fault for the goal (both cbs and motta at fault for the goal conceded).

That said, Prandelli's Azzurri get a fins up. At least they're generally enjoyable to watch. And +1 cookie.gif each to the two problem children (Cassano and Balotelli) who not only sang the anthem full out but who also both played rather well.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Aug 10 2010, 10:22 PM

QUOTE (Fishdoll @ Aug 10 2010, 10:42 PM) *
Only if they stop fielding all-gobbi backlines - who were again at fault for the goal (both cbs and motta at fault for the goal conceded).

That said, Prandelli's Azzurri get a fins up. At least they're generally enjoyable to watch. And +1 cookie.gif each to the two problem children (Cassano and Balotelli) who not only sang the anthem full out but who also both played rather well.


You'd kinda expect at least Cassano to sing the anthem though, wouldn't you?

Posted by: elcordobez Aug 11 2010, 01:03 AM

Anyone watching Brazil v USA?

Pato and Silva both starting

Posted by: elcordobez Aug 11 2010, 01:58 AM

Pato goal!

2 - 0


Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 11 2010, 02:33 AM




This fish also rather likes Neymar. He has spiky hair! 96.gif

Posted by: Linkman Aug 11 2010, 02:51 AM

Told ya, didn't I?

Posted by: Dracoris Aug 11 2010, 04:59 AM

I admit, I cheered when Pato scored. I couldn't help it!

Posted by: Zed.D Aug 11 2010, 09:13 AM

LINK! LINK!

EDIT: I hope he always wears the #9 wub.gif the heir to Ronaldo!

Posted by: CHU-LIP Aug 11 2010, 09:17 AM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Aug 11 2010, 08:13 AM) *
LINK! LINK!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6zMaLuxNcE&feature=player_embedded

This?

Posted by: Zed.D Aug 11 2010, 09:30 AM

QUOTE (Dracoris @ Aug 11 2010, 08:29 AM) *
I admit, I cheered when Pato scored. I couldn't help it!

You're a true Rossonero!

QUOTE (CHU-LIP @ Aug 11 2010, 12:47 PM) *
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6zMaLuxNcE&feature=player_embedded

This?

Thanks, it's better than the one I saw. anyone got a link to.. say.. HD quality video of Pato's goal?! innocent.gif

Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 11 2010, 11:54 AM

This fish also rather liked the Benfica defender with the fluffy hair, David Luiz. (mediaset thinks he may go to Chelsea).

All in all both Milan players had good games but there was a moment of concern when I saw Pato (after he'd been subbed) appearing to have an ice bag on his leg. Anyone else see that?

Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 11 2010, 06:08 PM

Ireland NT coach Giovanni Trappatoni had surgery this morning (they thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be scar tissue from a previous operation causing the pain). Assistant Marco Tardelli will coach Ireland against the Argies tonight. (from espn, eurosport, etc)

[For those of you not up on your history, Il Trap - aside from being awesome for soundbytes in interviews - is a former Milan star who played on the team that won two european cups in the 60s along with Cesare Maldini and Gianni Rivera. Tardelli....former gobbo but scored what's probably my favorite world cup goal in 1982.]

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 11 2010, 08:00 PM

Scotland 2-0 down to Sweden at HT. Oh noes!

England Team vs Hungary

Hart

Johnson - Jagielka - Terry - Cole

Lampard - Barry

Walcott - Gerrard -Johnson

Rooney

Subs: Fielding, Loach, Dawson, Cahill, Gibbs, Milner, Young, Wilshire, Zamora, Carlton Cole.


No booing as the team came out, well done to the fans.

Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 11 2010, 08:03 PM

But how full is Wembley?


Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 11 2010, 08:06 PM

About 70k.

Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 11 2010, 08:20 PM

Thomas Hitzlsperger scores for Germany (v. Denmark.)

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 11 2010, 09:05 PM

Young finally gets a chance under Capello, so what's this make him, your 10th? 11th? favourite winger, despite being the best winger in the Premier League? Very strange.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 11 2010, 09:15 PM

Mexico lead Spain. Hernandez with the goal, if it's the same Hernandez that United signed he's having a superb pre-season.

Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 11 2010, 09:21 PM

I'm pretty sure it is. He looked good at the weekend.

Denmark-Germany now 2-2.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 11 2010, 09:22 PM

Dawson mistakes lead to a great chance from Hungary after a deflection off Jagielka and.. despite the ball not going over the line, the French linesman gives the goal.

You couldn't write the story of the English team any better.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 11 2010, 09:26 PM

"Wayne Rooney has been replaced by James Milner of.. Aston Villa, I think." **** off ITV.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 11 2010, 09:28 PM

Cracker from Stevie G.

EDIT: Jesus Christ. Great little ball from Ashley Young, then Gerrard takes on a few players in the box and finishes superbly, what an incredible goal.

Posted by: Fishdoll Aug 11 2010, 10:37 PM

cookie.gif cookie.gif to Norway's NT for defeating France today. 96.gif

EDIT: And David Silva saved a dire Spain from embarrassment with a goal in injury time at the Azteca. FT Mexico 1-1 Spain.

Posted by: servbot Aug 11 2010, 11:23 PM

QUOTE (Fishdoll @ Aug 11 2010, 04:37 PM) *
cookie.gif cookie.gif to Norway's NT for defeating France today. 96.gif

EDIT: And David Silva saved a dire Spain from embarrassment with a goal in injury time at the Azteca. FT Mexico 1-1 Spain.


Not easy to win there, even for powerhouse teams.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Aug 11 2010, 11:38 PM

QUOTE (servbot @ Aug 12 2010, 12:23 AM) *
Not easy to win there, even for powerhouse teams.


You've got a point, Ullevåll is a fortress as long as Olsen is in charge...

Posted by: vahid Aug 12 2010, 01:44 PM

QUOTE (elcordobez @ Aug 11 2010, 12:03 AM) *
Pato and Silva both starting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kg-tchsG0A

Posted by: MizNelson Aug 18 2010, 05:14 PM

QUOTE
PARIS -- Nicolas Anelka scoffed at his 18-match suspension from France's national football team, saying it has him "dying of laughter."

The French Football Federation suspended the Chelsea striker Tuesday for his profane tirade against France's then-coach Raymond Domenech at the World Cup. Anelka was sent home from South Africa, prompting a player strike.

"These people are real clowns ... I'm dying of laughter," the report quoted Anelka.

The 18-match ban is expected to last for nearly two years, meaning that by the time he's again eligible to play for "Les Bleus," Anelka will be 33 and unlikely to be recalled.

"Who said I wanted to play again in blue?" he asked, adding that "for me, after the World Cup in South Africa, the French team is now history."

All 23 players on France's World Cup squad boycotted a training session in South Africa to protest Anelka's expulsion after he insulted Domenech during a 2-0 loss to Mexico.

The French federation summoned the five players who played a leading role in the boycott to a hearing Tuesday. Anelka and Franck Ribery didn't attend and sent lawyers instead.

Ribery, who was vice captain at the World Cup, was prevented from traveling to the hearing by his club, Bayern Munich, before the team's opening Bundesliga match on Friday.

The French federation's disciplinary commission handed former captain Patrice Evra a five-match ban, Ribery a three-match ban and Jeremy Toulalan a one-match suspension. The players can appeal.

Eric Abidal, the fifth player summoned to the four-hour hearing, wasn't punished.


(ESPN)

Posted by: Tennie Aug 28 2010, 05:58 PM

(from acmilan.com)

Italy's call ups for the upcoming national team games:

QUOTE
ITALIA: L'ELENCO DEI 23 CONVOCATI DI PRANDELLI
28/08/2010
MILANO - Ecco l'elenco completo dei 23 Azzurri convocati dal CT Cesare Prandelli:
Portieri: Mirante (Parma ), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna);
Difensori: Antonelli (Parma), Bonucci (Juventus), Bovo (Palermo), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), De Silvestri (Fiorentina), Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Molinaro (VfB Stoccarda);
Centrocampisti: De Rossi (Roma), Lazzari (Cagliari), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan);
Attaccanti: Cassano (Sampdoria), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Pepe (Juventus), Quagliarella (Juventus), Rossi (Villareal).


Pirlo the only one called up from Milan.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Aug 28 2010, 06:01 PM

QUOTE (Tennie @ Aug 28 2010, 05:58 PM) *
(from acmilan.com)

Italy's call ups for the upcoming national team games:



Pirlo the only one called up from Milan.



Molinaro and Antonelli before Antonini ?

This is not looking good Cesare.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 28 2010, 06:44 PM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Aug 28 2010, 07:01 PM) *
Molinaro and Antonelli before Antonini ?

This is not looking good Cesare.


+1

Posted by: Tennie Sep 1 2010, 05:30 PM

(from uefa.com) http://en.uefa.com/uefa/footballfirst/matchorganisation/stadiumsecurity/news/newsid=1521821.html

QUOTE
UEFA rules against vuvuzela use

UEFA has decided that vuvuzelas – the trumpet that came to prominence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup – may not be brought into stadiums at UEFA competition matches.

UEFA rules against vuvuzela useUEFA has decided that vuvuzelas – the trumpet that came to prominence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup – may not be brought into stadiums at UEFA competition matches. Read more
UEFA has decided that vuvuzelas – the trumpet that came to prominence at games during this summer's FIFA World Cup in South Africa – may not be brought into stadiums at matches in UEFA competitions.

European football's governing body has informed its 53 member associations that it has taken the move for reasons related to Europe's football culture and tradition, saying that the atmosphere at matches would be changed by the sound of the vuvuzela.

The World Cup was characterised by the vuvuzela's widespread and permanent use in the stands. In the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavour and folklore, but UEFA feels that the instrument's widespread use would not be appropriate in Europe, where a continuous loud background noise would be emphasised.

The magic of football consists of the two-way exchange of emotions between the pitch and the stands, where the public can transmit a full range of feelings to the players. However, UEFA is of the view that the vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game.

To avoid the risk of these negative effects in the stadiums where UEFA competitions are played and to protect the culture and tradition of football in Europe – singing, chanting etc. – UEFA has decided with immediate effect that vuvuzelas will not be allowed in the stadiums where UEFA competitions matches are played.

UEFA's associations have been instructed to take all necessary operational measures, and to instruct their clubs concerned to do the same in all UEFA club competitions in which they participate.


cry.gif cry.gif THOSE MEANIEHEADS!

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 3 2010, 09:08 PM

Romania 1-1 Albania

Great result by our side (that is, Albania).

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 3 2010, 10:05 PM

Belarus beat France in Frace ohmy.gif ohmy.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 3 2010, 10:18 PM

4-0. I'll take it, decent enough performance and good result.

Posted by: Ry4n Sep 3 2010, 10:38 PM

I wish the referee in the england game could referee every game it was so refreshing to see him let the game be free flowing without calling on little fouls rolleyes.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 3 2010, 10:46 PM

Ugly win for Italy. They were playing rather well before Estonia scored though.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 3 2010, 10:57 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 4 2010, 12:46 AM) *
Ugly win for Italy. They were playing rather well before Estonia scored though.

Pirlo assisted one of the goals.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 3 2010, 11:28 PM

QUOTE (Jack Bauer @ Sep 3 2010, 11:57 PM) *
Pirlo assisted one of the goals.


Well, both of them came from his corners.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 3 2010, 11:48 PM

Portugal couldn't beat Cyprus at home 4:4

A lot of surprising results today.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 4 2010, 12:00 AM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Sep 3 2010, 10:38 PM) *
I wish the referee in the england game could referee every game it was so refreshing to see him let the game be free flowing without calling on little fouls rolleyes.gif

Yeah, he wasn't to bad at all.

QUOTE (Jack Bauer @ Sep 3 2010, 11:48 PM) *
Portugal couldn't beat Cyprus at home 4:4

A lot of surprising results today.

ohmy.gif

That is a bit of a shocker. Portugal were so good defensively at the World Cup too.

Posted by: acid911 Sep 4 2010, 12:28 AM

Our friendly neighborhood Huntelaar scored a hat trick today. sleepysmiley03.gif Granted it was against San Marino, but hey who's looking, three goals are all that count.

Posted by: MizNelson Sep 4 2010, 10:01 AM

QUOTE (Jack Bauer @ Sep 3 2010, 03:48 PM) *
Portugal couldn't beat Cyprus at home 4:4

What's more embarrassing: that Portugal didn't win or the fact that they conceded four goals from a minnow squad at home?

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 4 2010, 02:21 PM

QUOTE (MizNelson @ Sep 4 2010, 11:01 AM) *
What's more embarrassing: that Portugal didn't win or the fact that they conceded four goals from a minnow squad at home?


I'd say the second.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 4 2010, 02:27 PM

Hopefully Pirlo doesn't play the full game against the Faroe Islands. They don't really need him, and we're about to begin a long stretch of a grueling schedule with 2 matches practically every week.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 4 2010, 02:46 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 4 2010, 03:27 PM) *
Hopefully Pirlo doesn't play the full game against the Faroe Islands. They don't really need him, and we're about to begin a long stretch of a grueling schedule with 2 matches practically every week.


He'll play, and I don't think Allegri should play him against Cesena. My midfield for that game would be Boateng-Seedorf-Ambrosini.

Posted by: samira Sep 4 2010, 03:31 PM

Torres just bad at not scoring in WC or just good that he can score agianst a non great team?

Posted by: han2503 Sep 4 2010, 03:37 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 4 2010, 02:46 PM) *
He'll play, and I don't think Allegri should play him against Cesena. My midfield for that game would be Boateng-Seedorf-Ambrosini.

Cesena gave Roma a lot of trouble, I wouldn't take them lightly. Imo Pirlo needs to play in that one, while Italy won't have that much trouble against the Faroe Islands

QUOTE (samira @ Sep 4 2010, 03:31 PM) *
Torres just bad at not scoring in WC or just good that he can score agianst a non great team?

He scored in the final against Germany in the Euros. He was just in terrible form at the WC

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 4 2010, 06:04 PM

I saw Albania's and Italy's game.

Albania got a good result from Rumania scoring in the last 15 minutes. It's not that Albanian players were good, it was Rumanian players who were poor.

In other hand Italy too, got a good result. Pirlo made some mistakes in passing but it wasn't his fault it was the other players who didn't understand his passes. Cassano had a good game and I think he is good enough to be Italy's next 10.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 4 2010, 06:32 PM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Sep 4 2010, 06:04 PM) *
I saw Albania's and Italy's game.

Albania got a good result from Rumania scoring in the last 15 minutes. It's not that Albanian players were good, it was Rumanian players who were poor.

In other hand Italy too, got a good result. Pirlo made some mistakes in passing but it wasn't his fault it was the other players who didn't understand his passes. Cassano had a good game and I think he is good enough to be Italy's next 10.

Yep, Cassano was great. His back heel assist for Bonucci's goal was class!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 7 2010, 08:13 PM

1-0 up in Switzerland, Rooney. Walcott off injured.

Posted by: vahid Sep 7 2010, 08:34 PM

Another 2 goals by Huntelaar.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 7 2010, 09:06 PM

Zlatan scored 2 in a 6:0 blowout. It's good that he's coming here in game shape after two 90 minutes matches.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 7 2010, 09:11 PM

Swiss down to 10 after a stupid foul.

Scotland losing at home to leitchenstein. laugh.gif

EDIT: Defoe down injured, Switzerland refuse to kick the ball out, they give it away. Gerrard with a good ball, Adam Johsnon rounds the keeper, 2-0. I think they'll kick the ball out next time.

EDIT: Great goal, 2-1. we got a game.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 7 2010, 09:11 PM

Brazil won 3-0 against Barcelona B this afternoon. Pato, Thiago Silva and Robinho played only the first half (thankfully). Pato scored the second goal, whilst Robinho assisted Lukas Leiva for the first.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 7 2010, 09:12 PM

Albania 1-0 Luxemburg smile.gif

Good result, now we have 4 points (A)

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Sep 7 2010, 09:14 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Sep 7 2010, 09:11 PM) *
Swiss down to 10 after a stupid foul.

I thought he got the ball... just!

Fair play about their goal then though.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 7 2010, 09:15 PM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Sep 7 2010, 10:12 PM) *
Albania 1-0 Luxemburg smile.gif

Good result, now we have 4 points (A)


*likes*

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 7 2010, 09:41 PM

Portugal are in trouble. After 4:4 home draw with Cyprus, they lost 0:1 to Norway.

Pirlo scored a goal and assisted another in 5:0 win.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 7 2010, 09:42 PM

QUOTE (Jack Bauer @ Sep 7 2010, 10:41 PM) *
Pirlo scored a goal and assisted another in 5:0 win.


And what a goal. I can't remember the last time he scored on free kick.

Posted by: Dracoris Sep 7 2010, 09:42 PM

QUOTE (Jack Bauer @ Sep 7 2010, 04:41 PM) *
Portugal are in trouble. After 4:4 home draw with Cyprus, they lost 0:1 to Norway.

Pirlo scored a goal and assisted another in 5:0 win.


Dang it you beat me to it!!

What a beauty of a free kick!

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 7 2010, 09:44 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 7 2010, 08:42 PM) *
And what a goal. I can't remember the last time he scored on free kick.


Any links ??

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 7 2010, 09:48 PM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Sep 7 2010, 11:44 PM) *
Any links ??

Surely will be on youtube in a a hour or so.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 7 2010, 09:58 PM

With 5 mins added on Scotland score to beat Leichenstein in the 97th minute. Shocking officiating in the end, oh well, an embarassing result anyways. laugh.gif

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 7 2010, 09:59 PM

Nope I only found one but there was shown only 3 goals.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Sep 7 2010, 10:18 PM


Deliver us, oh Lord, from the wrath of the Norsemen...


Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Sep 7 2010, 10:24 PM

QUOTE (Locke Lamora @ Sep 7 2010, 10:18 PM) *

Deliver us, oh Lord, from the wrath of the Norsemen...

Ronaldo didn't even play!

I'm still getting over Murray going out in the US Open, then saying he was definitely fit enough but his fitness somehow let him down laugh.gif If Scotland drew or lost to Liechtenstein I would have died of laughter.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 7 2010, 11:12 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKKDsVXk5s

Highlights from Itay game.

Posted by: Danny Sep 7 2010, 11:38 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Sep 7 2010, 09:58 PM) *
With 5 mins added on Scotland score to beat Leichenstein in the 97th minute. Shocking officiating in the end, oh well, an embarassing result anyways. laugh.gif


It was appalling, but until England aren't, kindly try not to gloat.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 8 2010, 12:33 AM

QUOTE (Jack Bauer @ Sep 7 2010, 10:12 PM) *
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKKDsVXk5s

Highlights from Itay game.


Thanks, a lot. smile.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 8 2010, 01:49 AM

QUOTE (Danny @ Sep 7 2010, 11:38 PM) *
It was appalling, but until England aren't, kindly try not to gloat.

Meh, we're fine. As for gloating, you won't find me doing that regarding England until we win games where I feel we shouldn't. I have not gloated over beating Bulgaria and Switzerland, because they're games we should be winning. Maybe I didn't expect such high scorelines, but anything less than 6/7 wins from this group would be disapointing, uin my opinion.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Sep 8 2010, 06:12 AM

Ibra scores. Pato scores. Silva looks good. Robinho assists. Pirlo is conducting symphonies from midfield. Be still my thumping heart!! It can't all come together at once!! sleep.gif

Posted by: Locke Lamora Sep 8 2010, 06:35 AM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Sep 7 2010, 11:24 PM) *
Ronaldo didn't even play!

I'm still getting over Murray going out in the US Open, then saying he was definitely fit enough but his fitness somehow let him down laugh.gif If Scotland drew or lost to Liechtenstein I would have died of laughter.




Your point being... ? The picture I was looking for was one of a crying Portuguese, and rather than sitting through pages of google images results, I took the easy route and googled this guy instead.
Crying Portuguese - That's it. End of. 1-0. devilsmiley.gif devilsmiley.gif devilsmiley.gif

Posted by: han2503 Sep 8 2010, 09:35 AM

Pirlo is back people! Not just because of the free-kick goal, but his general play was amazing. I was still a little unsure if it was just the space Lecce gave him when we played but he obviously found his form again, I don't think I saw one bad pass on his part last night. And the free-kick was just amazing, I don't think he's scored one in over a year.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Sep 8 2010, 02:01 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 8 2010, 11:35 AM) *
Pirlo is back people! Not just because of the free-kick goal, but his general play was amazing. I was still a little unsure if it was just the space Lecce gave him when we played but he obviously found his form again, I don't think I saw one bad pass on his part last night. And the free-kick was just amazing, I don't think he's scored one in over a year.

It's a good season to be in shape for. With our strikers line, he can break the assist reacord (whatever it might be).

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Sep 8 2010, 02:42 PM

QUOTE (Locke Lamora @ Sep 8 2010, 06:35 AM) *
Your point being... ? The picture I was looking for was one of a crying Portuguese, and rather than sitting through pages of google images results, I took the easy route and googled this guy instead.
Crying Portuguese - That's it. End of. 1-0. devilsmiley.gif devilsmiley.gif devilsmiley.gif

Hmm, just that he is obviously their best player, yet he didn't even play!

That would have been like United fans posting pictures of Pato crying from last years CL...!

Posted by: Locke Lamora Sep 8 2010, 04:48 PM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Sep 8 2010, 03:42 PM) *
Hmm, just that he is obviously their best player, yet he didn't even play!

That would have been like United fans posting pictures of Pato crying from last years CL...!



Well I've already explained why I chose that picture, but clearly the issue of importance here is me posting the wrong picture. Not my country beating one of the best national teams in Europe. Profound apologies.

Posted by: servbot Sep 8 2010, 05:15 PM

Congrats on the big win Locke.

Can we really take anything from Italy or Pirlo's performance yesterday? It was against the Faroe Islands. No ill intention towards the good people there, but they'd probably be beaten by a 3rd division (Serie C?) Italian side.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 8 2010, 05:39 PM

QUOTE (servbot @ Sep 8 2010, 04:15 PM) *
Congrats on the big win Locke.

Can we really take anything from Italy or Pirlo's performance yesterday? It was against the Faroe Islands. No ill intention towards the good people there, but they'd probably be beaten by a 3rd division (Serie C?) Italian side.

Obviously they're not a great team, but what was concerning me in preseason was the fact that Pirlo was misplacing passes he usually does with his eyes closed, in the Italy and Milan games he's been pin point accurate. He also seems to have dropped trying that flat freekick technique, which he had been using these past few seasons and went for the curler. Not to mention the 3 assists off corners he's made in just 2 games

Posted by: Dracoris Sep 8 2010, 05:50 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 8 2010, 12:39 PM) *
Obviously they're not a great team, but what was concerning me in preseason was the fact that Pirlo was misplacing passes he usually does with his eyes closed, in the Italy and Milan games he's been pin point accurate. He also seems to have dropped trying that flat freekick technique, which he had been using these past few seasons and went for the curler. Not to mention the 3 assists off corners he's made in just 2 games



I think he uses the knuckle ball in long-distance situations. I can't remember the last time Milan got a free kick that close to the 18yrd box, we're due for a few.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 8 2010, 06:01 PM

QUOTE (Dracoris @ Sep 8 2010, 04:50 PM) *
I think he uses the knuckle ball in long-distance situations. I can't remember the last time Milan got a free kick that close to the 18yrd box, we're due for a few.

Last season we got a lot, but both Pirlo and Dinho were misfiring badly from them.

I remember short distance free-kicks he's scored with that flat ball that slightly wobbles. Especially in the 05/06 season, Carlo dubbed it Pirlo's "full proof technique" at scoring from free-kicks

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 8 2010, 06:11 PM

Aye, there was a period around the 05/06 season when he scored something like 5-6 goals from those free kicks. But now he just misses them miserably.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 8 2010, 07:33 PM

I'll pretend I haven't read what you have write about Pirlo ...

Next time there will be blood guntootsmiley2.gif

Posted by: CHU-LIP Sep 8 2010, 08:35 PM

Oh please, it's the truth. Pirlo free kicks are a terrible thing to watch these years (knowing how he did them in the past).

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 8 2010, 10:58 PM

Yup. I love Pirlo as much as you do, d'Arc, but his free kicks have been poop in the last few years.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Sep 8 2010, 11:05 PM

QUOTE (Locke Lamora @ Sep 8 2010, 04:48 PM) *
Well I've already explained why I chose that picture, but clearly the issue of importance here is me posting the wrong picture. Not my country beating one of the best national teams in Europe. Profound apologies.

Eh?! All I said was Ronaldo didn't play (and he's an important player), who you posted a picture of! Then tried to make an analogy that both, you and I would commonly understand.

I didn't mean to cause offence, or take anything away from the victory.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 8 2010, 11:41 PM

QUOTE (CHU-LIP @ Sep 8 2010, 07:35 PM) *
Oh please, it's the truth. Pirlo free kicks are a terrible thing to watch these years (knowing how he did them in the past).


Oh really ?

It's not just Pirlo it's football in general, now the game is not based on free kicks.

btw do you know why Pirlo is not scoring from free kicks?

Cos 3/4 of them are crosses and only 1/4 of them goes directly in the goal.

Pirlo is really mature and is very special. He is no Ronaldo who does not care about the result and all of free kicks he shoots goes in the direction of goal. Pirlo plays for the team, not for personal honours.

Do you even watch his free kicks? The lasts ones (two) free kicks against Lecce were very good, the GK couldn't catch the ball he just punched it and our ex-player Borriello and other strikers had good chances if they were concentrated.

Pirlo is maestro. All his passes, crosses, shoots and his game in general is genius.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 8 2010, 11:58 PM

We're talking about the free kicks which he shoots at the goal, d'Arc, not the ones he crosses. The simple question is: when was the last time he scored on free kick before last night? Frankly, I can't remember.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 9 2010, 12:23 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 8 2010, 11:58 PM) *
We're talking about the free kicks which he shoots at the goal, d'Arc, not the ones he crosses. The simple question is: when was the last time he scored on free kick before last night? Frankly, I can't remember.


Well man you should understand there is only one free kick that goes in the goal in 3-4 games.

Not to mention Ronaldinho,Beckham(before)...

Find me a video or tell me when Pirlo failed to score more than 2-3 times in a row from e good position like that one against Faroe Island. I'm not talking about 30m free kicks or those near the corner.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 9 2010, 12:30 AM

I don't need to show you any video. I just want you to put your mind to work, and think, when was the last time Pirlo scored on free kick before last night? That question should be more than enough to prove that he's not that good at free kicks (and I'm talking about the ones he shoot on goal) as he used to be. Fin.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 9 2010, 12:35 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 8 2010, 11:30 PM) *
I don't need to show you any video. I just want you to put your mind to work, and think, when was the last time Pirlo scored on free kick before last night? That question should be more than enough to prove that he's not that good at free kicks (and I'm talking about the ones he shoot on goal) as he used to be. Fin.


Before Ronaldinho camed and suddenly was the 1st free kicker (at least in good positions).

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 9 2010, 12:37 AM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Sep 9 2010, 01:35 AM) *
Before Ronaldinho camed and suddenly was the 1st free kicker (at least in good positions).


That's no excuse. Pirlo's had his fair share of free kicks on goal and he's always missed. I remember him hitting the post once last season, and that's all.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Sep 9 2010, 12:46 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 8 2010, 11:37 PM) *
That's no excuse. Pirlo's had his fair share of free kicks on goal and he's always missed. I remember him hitting the post once last season, and that's all.


The way you judge Pirlo it's just not fair. Last night he proved that his free kicks are as good as used to be, he just need his space.

Maybe it can be irracional but answer for the question why Pirlo hasn't score from free kicks for 2-3 years, is simple. We changed, our philosophy, the way we play, players, coaches and everything.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 9 2010, 12:51 AM

Taking free-kicks is an individual skill, absoloutely nothing happening at the club will change that. only he can. His free-kicks have been dreadful for a few years now and scoring 1 against the Faroe Islands is nout to brag about.

Posted by: Dracoris Sep 9 2010, 01:38 AM

Well whether the free kick is vs. The islands or vs. Barcelona the only thing that changes is the goalie. And there are not too many goalies getting to that shot yesterday. That being said, Pirlo has been sub-par on his freekicks as of late. Ronnie too.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 9 2010, 12:58 PM

Pirlo has ben awful at just about everything these past 2 seasons. He's been off form, constricted by the tactics Carlo and Leo had. But even when playing terribly he's still our most important player. These past 3 weeks he looks like he's getting back into the form of old. I haven't seen Pirlo playing with such accuracy since 06. His free-kick is no coincedence.

He's back to his best therefore his free-kicks are also back. Not to mention the corner assists he provided for Italy as well, something he's also been lacking at these past few seasons.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Sep 9 2010, 03:58 PM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Sep 9 2010, 12:41 AM) *
Oh really ?

It's not just Pirlo it's football in general, now the game is not based on free kicks.

btw do you know why Pirlo is not scoring from free kicks?

Cos 3/4 of them are crosses and only 1/4 of them goes directly in the goal.

Pirlo is really mature and is very special. He is no Ronaldo who does not care about the result and all of free kicks he shoots goes in the direction of goal. Pirlo plays for the team, not for personal honours.

Do you even watch his free kicks? The lasts ones (two) free kicks against Lecce were very good, the GK couldn't catch the ball he just punched it and our ex-player Borriello and other strikers had good chances if they were concentrated.

Pirlo is maestro. All his passes, crosses, shoots and his game in general is genius.



When was it ever based on free kicks???

Posted by: CHU-LIP Sep 9 2010, 05:03 PM

QUOTE (d'Arc.LP @ Sep 8 2010, 11:41 PM) *
Do you even watch his free kicks?
Unfortunality, yes.

But that was exactly what I wanted to ask you. Talk about this season to support your bias opinion, but if you remember his free kicks from let's say last season... they were awful, plenty were on goal, oh wait, not even that. rolleyes.gif

His free kicks have been very disappointed for years now, one scoring free kick is not proof that his free kicks were all these years awesome. (lol)

Let's hope he goes magicly to being awesome in free kicks again, like he went magicly to someone who can't shoot properly on goal (free kicks for example).

Posted by: William405 Sep 9 2010, 10:24 PM

QUOTE (CHU-LIP @ Sep 9 2010, 07:03 PM) *
Unfortunality, yes.

But that was exactly what I wanted to ask you. Talk about this season to support your bias opinion, but if you remember his free kicks from let's say last season... they were awful, plenty were on goal, oh wait, not even that. rolleyes.gif

His free kicks have been very disappointed for years now, one scoring free kick is not proof that his free kicks were all these years awesome. (lol)

Let's hope he goes magicly to being awesome in free kicks again, like he went magicly to someone who can't shoot properly on goal (free kicks for example).




Well,I don't want to start a debate here.But most of pirlo's free kicks were on goal.They always lacked enough pace and pinpoint accuracy if you ask me,but they did enough to cause problem.I was referring to last season,of course.We didn't get many free kicks to be shot on goal,to start with.Never mind the fact that ronaldinho shot most of those also.You maybe underrating him a bit too much.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2010, 03:56 PM

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22092010/58/world-cup-ref-charged-smuggling-heroin.html

There is a God.

Posted by: servbot Sep 22 2010, 04:32 PM

I was just about to post that story.

That was one of the first football matches I'd ever watched, and even I could tell something was up.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 22 2010, 05:12 PM

South Korea's run to the SFs was so fixed, shame the refs haven't been found guilty of that yet.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 4 2010, 02:01 AM

Heskey turned down an England call-up. It's strange, he's usually called up and everyone hates him, now he's one of the most in-form English strikers and he's decided to retire so we can't have him.

Montenegro have had a good start so it will be interesting to see us play them, I don't believe I've ever seen them play before.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 5 2010, 01:24 AM

QUOTE
Ben Foster (Birmingham City), Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa)

Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Joe Cole (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Darren Bent (Sunderland), Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin Davies (Bolton Wanderers), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

All I can think of is 'lol'.

I thought Capello wasn't picking on reputation? Well he is, not only that, he's picking off form and crap players too. His squads just get worse.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 5 2010, 05:54 AM

Friendlies no? He's trying out tactical stuff I imagine.

What do you think kurt? Age old problem but can Lampard and Stevie G play in the same lineup?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 5 2010, 04:45 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 5 2010, 05:54 AM) *
Friendlies no? He's trying out tactical stuff I imagine.

What do you think kurt? Age old problem but can Lampard and Stevie G play in the same lineup?

We play 1 friendly and 1 qualifier, so we still need a good squad.

Yes, they can. It's just a load of rubbish and people basically use it as an excuse. We managed to beat Croatia 5-1 with them both in the lineup, they contributed 4 of the goals as well. I don't like them playing together in a 4-4-2, but I don't need to worry about that seeing as Barry's our best CM.

Posted by: Tennie Oct 7 2010, 07:28 PM

!

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 7 2010, 08:44 PM

Brazil played Iran in a friendly in Abu Dhabi and beat us 3-0. Pato had a couple of opportunities (at least 2 of them were saved very well by the keeper) and finally scored what would be their 2nd goal. first goal was score by Alves on a FK, it was one amazing and unstoppable FK. Robinho was once again disappointing and was subbed in the 2nd half. Silva was solid and Pato was IMO their best player. we also scored a goal in the ~10th minute which the ref ruled out for offside, I need to watch that again but didn't seem like one. thing is, if it was a futsal game we would've given them a run for their money but it wasn't and we're crap at football so 3-0 is not that bad!

Needless to say, I'm really happy Pato scored against us biggrin.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 7 2010, 09:32 PM

Good. We need Pato in top form for the next batch of games till December.

Posted by: vahid Oct 7 2010, 11:05 PM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Oct 7 2010, 08:44 PM) *
we also scored a goal in the ~10th minute which the ref ruled out for offside


That was not offside,referees mistake!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 7 2010, 11:55 PM

Davies to make his debut, with...33 or what? I hope Capello will give the guy a chance, or else he'd be very very cruel.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 8 2010, 06:10 AM

Is he a Heskey replacement.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 8 2010, 07:57 AM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Oct 8 2010, 06:10 AM) *
Is he a Heskey replacement.

Yeah.

England need to move away from the big target man though, International referees don't allow contact and Davies is a very physical player.

With Milner suspended and Walcott injured, Young, Lennon and Johnson take the wide positions. Who takes the 4th winger spot?

2010/11 season
Shaun Wright Phillips - Starts: 2, Goals: 0, Assists: 0
Stewart Downing - Starts: 7, Goals: 3, Assists: 0
Matthew Etherington - Starts 7, Goals: 0, Assits: 3
Marc Albrighton - Starts: 7, Goals: 1, Assists: 2

All of these players have contributed to more goals this season than SWP has made starts. Yet he still gets chosen, still not picking on reputation, eh Fabio?

Posted by: elcordobez Oct 8 2010, 01:59 PM

Just finished watching Japan hand the Argies a beating

Honda and Kagawa are hot property they pretty double teamed and demolished Argentina's defense which btw is terrible,they will not win any trophies with that Goalkeeper and that defensive lineup.

Ended 1-0 Japan but could have been alot more if their finishing was better.

Milan should have bought Honda instead of Binho ! Probably would have cost more.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 8 2010, 02:01 PM

Honda for Binho? I don't know. I have a lot of confidence in him. Once he gets in form again, we'll see some amazing stuff.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 8 2010, 04:30 PM

Honda isn't really compatible to compare with Robinho. I'm not sure.

Anyway, who was the Argie goalie?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 8 2010, 11:31 PM

Germans won me a fiver today, thankyou very much!

Scotland, Ireland and Wales all losing is quite pleasing. Montenegro beating everyone in front of them is making me a bit more worried for Tuesday night though!

Posted by: elcordobez Oct 9 2010, 12:30 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 9 2010, 02:30 AM) *
Honda isn't really compatible to compare with Robinho. I'm not sure.

Anyway, who was the Argie goalie?


Romero,he pretty much spilled every long ranged shot,which is how the goal came about.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Oct 9 2010, 12:31 AM

Cyprus 1-2 Norway. So, that's 9 points from 3 games, a good 4 points ahead of Portugal and Denmark... this pleases me.

Posted by: acid911 Oct 9 2010, 01:08 AM

Brilliant, Locke! king.gif Job well done. I've had it with Denmark, they seldom play to their potential after qualifying (at least from what I've seen). It'll be great if Portugal and Norway made the cut.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 9 2010, 02:36 AM

Did you just say it'd be great if Portugal made the cut? WHAT!?

Denmark and Norway I hope.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Oct 9 2010, 02:42 AM

I'm actually not too bothered if Portugal does indeed make it, they usually bottle at the first challenge anyway.
Denmark however, have been a bunch of arrogant little twerps since their 1992 EURO victory, and it would be wonderful to rub their faces into this (should everything go according to plan that is, and knowing us, the chances of that are dubious to put it mildly.

Posted by: acid911 Oct 9 2010, 02:59 AM

Well Portugal are comparatively a big side when it comes to Euros, so I want them in for the sake of the competition. For the sake of England, though, I hope these two don't meet in a match. laugh.gif Secondly, the only time I saw Denmark perform was (if my memory serves me right) USA 94. I think it were them and Saudi Arabia that went through to the quarters. Other than that, they have always performed below potential, even though they had a few good players here and there, Thomasson (JDT) including.

Plus as Locke said, their attitude is a totally arrogant when they do qualify. dry.gif Let Norway come forward on the world stage and show what they are made of. And not just that, they have been performing quite well as a team. If Denmark makes through instead of them, I won't be a happy man.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 9 2010, 03:57 AM

Denmark were pretty good at th 98 and 2002 WCs I thought.

Posted by: acid911 Oct 9 2010, 04:17 AM

Decent and lucky, I can agree with, but the only good run that I saw from them was USA '94. smile.gif I just think they got lucky groups both time after that, and failed to qualify after that. In the 98 world cup they barely qualified with four points (Saudi Arabia and South Africa were in their group). In 2002, again they had a crap team in France (who did not win a match and got out without scoring a goal, that's rich), Uruguay who were just wandering about and Senegal. To top it off they got cleaned inside out 3-0 against England at the first hurdle of the knockout stages.

In these four world cups they should have at least improved on their quarterfinal run (though admittedly they had to face a very hot Brazil in 98 quarters). cool.gif My opinion of course, but with them playing in Europe, having a good league system, and facilities, they should have been at least at the level of the likes of USA (current) South Korea, Ukraine, Turkey, etc. Consistent. They are just one notch below that, I feel (and occasionally very lucky), though they had a few good players over the ages.

Like I said, it would be great if they improve and showcase themselves on world stage again, but I've seen a couple of matches of both Denmark and Norway, and if I had to choose between them, it'll be the later. Even if it is for the Euros and not the World Cup. Maybe we'll see something different. Just like Serbia stunned Germany this June.

Posted by: MizNelson Oct 9 2010, 05:17 AM

According to ESPN Soccernet, the U.S.' Charlie Davies was caught speeding over 125 miles (that's miles, folks) an hour in France last weekend.

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5663628/us-forward-charlie-davies-caught-speeding-125-mph-france

Jesus. And don't forget that he almost died in a car accident last year. I guess he didn't quite get the message.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 9 2010, 11:43 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 9 2010, 12:31 AM) *
Montenegro beating everyone in front of them is making me a bit more worried for Tuesday night though!

I wouldn't worry about it Kurt. You see, Montenegro is just like Croatia but a bit weaker. And my experience tells me that no mather how good such teams are, they always find it hard to play or beat England. McLaren era asside, when did your team last lost to Yugoslavia, Serbia, Croatia?

QUOTE
Secondly, the only time I saw Denmark perform was (if my memory serves me right) USA 94. I think it were them and Saudi Arabia that went through to the quarters. Other than that, they have always performed below potential, even though they had a few good players here and there, Thomasson (JDT) including.

Gee, we totally disagree then. Denmark in 98' had it in it, they had so much talent and they did show it. Brazil won with much luck. And 2002 Denmark performed also very good, they advanced from a very difficult group and got knocked out by England. From all the Scandinavic teams, Denmark show the best football in 98'.

A few talents? What about the Laudrups, Schmeichel, Helveg, Laursen,...

Posted by: Locke Lamora Oct 9 2010, 12:40 PM

Ironic thing is, Denmark were eliminated by Brazil in '98, a team we actually beat in the group stages (to this day I'm pretty sure we are the only NT not to have ever lost a match against Brazil), but we were then eliminated by an Italy side that used essentially the same tactics as us.

With the one, small exception that they had Vieri as their target player, while we had Tore Andre Flo... dry.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 9 2010, 01:15 PM

Well, Flo wasn't that bad after all. I don't think Norway nowdays would mind a striker his caliber.

Posted by: Dracoris Oct 9 2010, 02:01 PM

QUOTE (MizNelson @ Oct 9 2010, 12:17 AM) *
According to ESPN Soccernet, the U.S.' Charlie Davies was caught speeding over 125 miles (that's miles, folks) an hour in France last weekend.

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5663628/us-forward-charlie-davies-caught-speeding-125-mph-france

Jesus. And don't forget that he almost died in a car accident last year. I guess he didn't quite get the message.



Sigh.

Posted by: acid911 Oct 9 2010, 02:18 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 9 2010, 03:43 PM) *
Gee, we totally disagree then. Denmark in 98' had it in it, they had so much talent and they did show it. Brazil won with much luck. And 2002 Denmark performed also very good, they advanced from a very difficult group and got knocked out by England. From all the Scandinavic teams, Denmark show the best football in 98'.

A few talents? What about the Laudrups, Schmeichel, Helveg, Laursen,...

I don't know, maybe it's me then, but I watched them keenly both in 98 and 2002, and the bunch never seemed to give me the same feeling as watching other smaller teams (out of the European giants) like Croatia, Czech Republic, Ukraine (whom I followed very closely in qualifying and the finals of 06). That they have been the standout Scandinavian team, I can't doubt one bit, but I never thought they did justice to their talents after 94', sort of like another version of Portugal at competitions.

I remember seeing the 2002 World Cup groups, and saying to myself, no way the Danes are gonna get out from here. They drew against Senegal and if I recall correctly, France and Uruguay drew too later that day. Granted they won (and deservedly) against a disjointed French side. That group was strong, but only on paper. The performances the French team gave opened up the group wide for the other three sides.

And oh, I was being conservative when saying they had talent, they had some very good players. wink.gif And internationally renowned. And personally I was surprised to see them not making the cuts for the last two World Cups, and Turkey was another that had me shocked when they missed the boat this year. But like I said above, maybe it's just me. I started liking them after 94', I was quite a small kid then. Had them as my favorite B team from Europe, but ultimately that distinction then went to Croatia. Still is.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Oct 9 2010, 03:31 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 9 2010, 02:15 PM) *
Well, Flo wasn't that bad after all. I don't think Norway nowdays would mind a striker his caliber.



Actually, I'd say Carew is about on par with him, and both Huseklepp and Moa have the potential to outdo him.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 9 2010, 05:21 PM

How's Carew been playing for you in this qualifying campaign? He's been poor for us so far this season, despite being one of the better strikers in the league last season.

Posted by: samira Oct 9 2010, 06:23 PM

Sweden got 6 points and Next up is Netherland about three days and they got 6 points too.
Sweden +8 - 0
Netherland +7 -1
AWESOME !! biggrin.gif

Posted by: han2503 Oct 9 2010, 06:54 PM

QUOTE (samira @ Oct 9 2010, 06:23 PM) *
Sweden got 6 points and Next up is Netherland about three days and they got 6 points too.
Sweden +8 - 0
Netherland +7 -1
AWESOME !! biggrin.gif

Did Ibra play for Sweden? I'm not really keeping up to date with the internationals

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 9 2010, 07:19 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Oct 9 2010, 07:54 PM) *
Did Ibra play for Sweden? I'm not really keeping up to date with the internationals


Sweden didn't play last night.

Posted by: han2503 Oct 9 2010, 08:56 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 9 2010, 06:19 PM) *
Sweden didn't play last night.

oops blush.gif

Emphasises the not really paying attention to NT news

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 10 2010, 12:53 AM

Well, I for one went surprised the international matches were played mostly on Friday. Wasn't Sathurday the usual day for such fixtures?

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 10 2010, 12:59 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 10 2010, 01:53 AM) *
Well, I for one went surprised the international matches were played mostly on Friday. Wasn't Sathurday the usual day for such fixtures?


Now it's Fridays and Tuesday, so the players can have more time to prepare for the weekend games with their respective clubs. Smart move, it should have happened sooner.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 10 2010, 01:01 AM

Yep, agree.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Oct 10 2010, 01:05 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 9 2010, 06:21 PM) *
How's Carew been playing for you in this qualifying campaign? He's been poor for us so far this season, despite being one of the better strikers in the league last season.



It's strange really, last year he was awesome for you and completely useless for the NT, this season I've hardly seen him do a thing in the league (except missing that penalty against Newcastle), but he's been terrific for the NT, created a goal out of nothing against Portugal by charging the keeper and scoring a beautiful solo goal against Cyprus.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 10 2010, 03:58 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 10 2010, 12:59 AM) *
Now it's Fridays and Tuesday, so the players can have more time to prepare for the weekend games with their respective clubs. Smart move, it should have happened sooner.

I disagree. Midweek fxtures are crap as it is, but now you have 2 fixtures during the week and 0 during the weekend. Further moving the sport away from the fans.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 10 2010, 12:29 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 10 2010, 04:58 AM) *
I disagree. Midweek fxtures are crap as it is, but now you have 2 fixtures during the week and 0 during the weekend. Further moving the sport away from the fans.


I don't give a crap about the NT break, and most people don't. Whether it's played on midweek or weekend is of minor importance. I can't wait till it's over so we can get back to some real football.

Posted by: han2503 Oct 10 2010, 12:40 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 10 2010, 12:29 PM) *
I don't give a crap about the NT break, and most people don't. Whether it's played on midweek or weekend is of minor importance. I can't wait till it's over so we can get back to some real football.

Agreed!!!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 10 2010, 01:15 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 10 2010, 01:29 PM) *
I don't give a crap about the NT break, and most people don't. Whether it's played on midweek or weekend is of minor importance. I can't wait till it's over so we can get back to some real football.

Well, maybe, but there are some people who like watching their national teams play some real football as well.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 10 2010, 01:28 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 10 2010, 02:15 PM) *
Well, maybe, but there are some people who like watching their national teams play some real football as well.


Well, sure there are. That's why I said 'most' people and not 'all' people. But do you really care whether they play on Friday or Saturday?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 10 2010, 02:00 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 10 2010, 02:28 PM) *
Well, sure there are. That's why I said 'most' people and not 'all' people. But do you really care whether they play on Friday or Saturday?

Well, I'd say in Croatia most of the people care for such matches, and a smaller groups doesn't. It depends.

I don't care when Croatia plays against Andorra, but if England or any other big country comes, I do care - you see - Friday is working day and I got to stay mostly late with editorial stuff. Saturday I'm free.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Oct 10 2010, 02:26 PM

I am kinda looking forward to Sweden and The Netherlands. Since forever The Netherlands are having finally a tough pill in their group.

Posted by: samira Oct 10 2010, 04:44 PM

So do I and all that Zlatan and Van der Vaart drama..
But sometime the good thing with NT , is to see how the players work with other players then Rossoneri players and Huntelaar has scored more now then the WC, maybe more playtime but I enjoy to see how he's doing..
Buffon likes Prandelli's Italy at least tongue.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 10 2010, 06:02 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 10 2010, 12:29 PM) *
I don't give a crap about the NT break, and most people don't. Whether it's played on midweek or weekend is of minor importance. I can't wait till it's over so we can get back to some real football.

Meh, I support my country as much as I support my club.

I just think Friday/Tuesday is crap because unless you live in the City where your NT stadium is, you can't go to the game unless you take the day off work. Stupid from UEFA, but like they give a **** about fans?

Posted by: han2503 Oct 10 2010, 07:03 PM

Imo the qualifiers are formalities. They put in the top teams in the weakest groups possible (due to seeding) How many times can we watch the San Marinos, Faroe Isleands, etc get hammered? Meh sure there are the rare occasions of two top teams getting into the same group but that's rare.

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 11 2010, 10:41 PM

I know it's just another friendly, but here's Pato's tonight goal against Ukraine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh6JeBU0m6I

The more interesting bit is his goal scoring record under Dunga and Menezes. 1 in 8 and 3 in 3 respectively.

I hope Dunga is suffering somewhere!

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 11 2010, 10:57 PM

Cool, the baby just keeps scoring. Nice goal too.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 11 2010, 10:59 PM

Here's another clip, which shows him hitting the bar as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwivOW8Z5ck

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 11 2010, 11:35 PM

Wow, that was a great move. pity it hit the bar.

Thanks for the link.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 12 2010, 12:42 AM

Dunga...don't remind me of that guy. He crushed Brazil's tradition, he left Pato out with no reason and robbed Kaka maybe the last chance of winning a WC as a regular NT player, not that kid in 2002.

Posted by: acid911 Oct 12 2010, 12:43 AM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Oct 12 2010, 02:41 AM) *
I hope Dunga is suffering somewhere!

Amen to that bro. sleep.gif Amen to that. I hope he never shows his face to the public again! Not just Pato, he basically took a soulless Brazilian team - the likes of Fabiano, Melo and more should consider themselves the luckiest SOBs of all time to get in the starting XI. In the presence of real talent (which was left back home), they'd not even have made the substitute bench.

And no, I'm not just talking about Ronaldinho - he deserved at least a place in the 23, if not match action!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 12 2010, 12:47 AM

So, Locke are you looking forward for the Norway-Croatia clash today?

Posted by: elcordobez Oct 12 2010, 03:23 AM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Oct 12 2010, 08:41 AM) *
I know it's just another friendly, but here's Pato's tonight goal against Ukraine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh6JeBU0m6I

The more interesting bit is his goal scoring record under Dunga and Menezes. 1 in 8 and 3 in 3 respectively.

I hope Dunga is suffering somewhere!


Nice

Brazil nursing him back to match fitness for us laugh.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 05:34 AM

Looking forward to tonights game.

Montenegro have surprised me at how well they've done, won every game 1-0 so far. Our group is quite poor, but Montenegro are a very new (and small) nation so they're doing well for themselves. Win tonight, then do the Welsh home and away and we should be through.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 01:47 PM

QUOTE (acid911 @ Oct 12 2010, 01:43 AM) *
And no, I'm not just talking about Ronaldinho - he deserved at least a place in the 23, if not match action!


There were other players that deserved a NT spot more than Ronaldinho. Pato, Neymar and Ganso, just to name some.

Posted by: ForzaMaldini Oct 12 2010, 01:48 PM

Good luck tpday samira, you'll need it tongue.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 01:55 PM

It looks like Menezes will be following Milan-Chievo and Real Madrid-Milan to look up closely, among others, Ronaldinho. I really don't care whether he calls him in the NT or not, I just hope this pumps Dinho up to play a decent game.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo1841.shtml

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 12 2010, 02:25 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 06:34 AM) *
Looking forward to tonights game.

Montenegro have surprised me at how well they've done, won every game 1-0 so far. Our group is quite poor, but Montenegro are a very new (and small) nation so they're doing well for themselves. Win tonight, then do the Welsh home and away and we should be through.

As I said, I don't share any concern about todays victor. Montenegro is overconfident; even more then Croatia when England crushed us 4-1.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Oct 12 2010, 02:48 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 12 2010, 01:47 PM) *
There were other players that deserved a NT spot more than Ronaldinho. Pato, Neymar and Ganso, just to name some.

ronaldinho had a better season than pato imo but then dunga caleed baptista dry.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 03:44 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Oct 12 2010, 03:48 PM) *
ronaldinho had a better season than pato imo but then dunga caleed baptista dry.gif


Who's not even a starter at Roma. laugh.gif And don't let me get started on Grafite. Yup, some of his choices were really poor.

Posted by: han2503 Oct 12 2010, 07:21 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 12 2010, 02:44 PM) *
Who's not even a starter at Roma. laugh.gif And don't let me get started on Grafite. Yup, some of his choices were really poor.

I think they were more biased rather then poor. I don't think he intended to give Ronaldinho or Pato the chance, no matter how well they played for us.

Posted by: samira Oct 12 2010, 07:37 PM

QUOTE (ForzaMaldini @ Oct 12 2010, 12:48 PM) *
Good luck tpday samira, you'll need it tongue.gif


Thanks tongue.gif Allready on the third minute, that damn Huntelaar scored, 1-0 to Netherland sad.gif

Posted by: William405 Oct 12 2010, 07:42 PM

Dam how did we let hunt go!We should have found a way to fit him into our system.
gooo zlatan!!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 07:52 PM

Faroe Islands 1-1 Northern Ireland. blink.gif


England team

Joe Hart

Glenn Johnson
Rio Ferdinand
Joleon Lescott
Ashley Cole

Adam Johnson
Steven Gerrard
Gareth Barry
Ashley Young

Peter Crouch
Wayne Rooney

Lescott aside, well done Fabio.

Vucinic out for the away side.

Posted by: samira Oct 12 2010, 07:57 PM

NOOOOOO ! Toivonen made me celebrate too early dry.gif

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 12 2010, 08:03 PM

QUOTE
U-21: Azzurrini battered in Belarus
Italy are out of the European Under-21 Championships after a shock 3-0 defeat to Belrus in extra time, including Vito Mannone's howler. http://www.football-italia.net/oct12s.html


QUOTE
FIGC 'couldn't imagine' U-21 exit
FIGC President Giancarlo Abete admits he “could not even imagine a result like this” after Italy crashed out of Euro 2011 and the 2012 Olympics. http://www.football-italia.net/oct12x.html



Is this the future of Azzurri?! wow...

Something is very wrong with the Italian football.

Posted by: William405 Oct 12 2010, 08:04 PM

What a disgrace,at genoa.Bunch of serbian ******* may have postponed the game for more than half hour.If someone is watching whats happening,he'll know what I mean.Disgrace,what I can say/

Posted by: ForzaMaldini Oct 12 2010, 08:08 PM

Affelayy!!!! biggrin.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 08:09 PM

Doesn't Mannone play for Arsenal? They have no luck with keepers if he does!

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 12 2010, 08:12 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 11:39 PM) *
Doesn't Mannone play for Arsenal? They have no luck with keepers if he does!

Yeah he does. they will probably blame it all on him, but I think if they can't hold on to a 2 goal lead against "Belarus", then the tournament's better off without them.

I'm really shocked and sad about this!

Posted by: William405 Oct 12 2010, 08:13 PM

No one watching italy,serbia are breaking Genoa's stadium.
http://www.football-italia.net/oct12y.html

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Oct 12 2010, 08:20 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 07:52 PM) *
Adam Johnson

I don't usually do the hype of England players but this guy really impresses me. I remember seeing him at Middlesbrough and thinking he was a good player didn't realise he would get to this level though.

But he has something about him, I think he could be a really, really good/world class footballer in a few years, perhaps our biggest youth breakthrough since Rooney, at least if Man City don't ruin him. Though he does need to keep improving at a fast rate, he is already 23.

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 12 2010, 08:20 PM

puke.gif Why ultras are still allowed in the stadiums is beyond me. ****ers.

Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 08:21 PM

And people wonder why I have difficulty cheering for the serbian NT or any of its players.

Posted by: William405 Oct 12 2010, 08:22 PM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Oct 12 2010, 10:20 PM) *
puke.gif Why ultras are still allowed in the stadiums is beyond me. ****ers.


Exactly!The match will start now,hope Italy beat their asses like 5-0.They seem to be fired up...Pirlo's expression didn't change though tongue.gif


Tennie:The serbian NT clapped for their crowd after what they did,I mean that's ****** up.I agree with you.

Zambro captain,awesome.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 08:30 PM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Oct 12 2010, 08:20 PM) *
I don't usually do the hype of England players but this guy really impresses me. I remember seeing him at Middlesbrough and thinking he was a good player didn't realise he would get to this level though.

But he has something about him, I think he could be a really, really good/world class footballer in a few years, perhaps our biggest youth breakthrough since Rooney, at least if Man City don't ruin him. Though he does need to keep improving at a fast rate, he is already 23.

Johnson is a good player, I think he'll be fine in a 4-5-1/4-3-3/4-2-3-1, problem with him in a 4-4-2 is that he's not very responsible defensively. Great at going at his full back though. Hoping Ash performs well tonight, about time he got a start for England.

Posted by: samira Oct 12 2010, 08:32 PM

Suprising that Serbia lost aganst Estonia..
Sweden.. Come on Ibra!!

Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 08:34 PM

Travelling NT support is a little different than travelling club support. Still, though. What those...individuals...did to the stadium and the way they disrupted things....not cool. And I'm not in the least surprised to see this particular NT involved.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Oct 12 2010, 08:35 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 08:30 PM) *
Johnson is a good player, I think he'll be fine in a 4-5-1/4-3-3/4-2-3-1, problem with him in a 4-4-2 is that he's not very responsible defensively. Great at going at his full back though. Hoping Ash performs well tonight, about time he got a start for England.

I thought he was alright when we played Switzerland at tracking back.

I think he's gaining an attitude problem the more plaudits he gets though, whereas Hart still carries himself well - at least for a footballer.

Yeah, I like Young in a Villa shirt but for England he hasn't really done it on the occasions he has been given, be interesting to see tonight.

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 12 2010, 08:36 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Oct 12 2010, 10:52 PM) *
Tennie:The serbian NT clapped for their crowd after what they did,I mean that's fucked up.I agree with you.

blink.gif Are you sure?? cause I read their keeper had been injured by a flare their ultras had thrown at the team bus. huh.gif

Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 08:37 PM

Eurosport italia is reporting that Stojkovic (who's usually the starting keeper for Serbia) refused to play because the Serbian ultras had threatened his life after the Estonia game.

Posted by: William405 Oct 12 2010, 08:40 PM

Those people should be put to jail.**** them,I was planning to watch football today.

Italy may have won the match. 3-0

Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 08:42 PM

They're right to call the game though. It's too dangerous to the players and to other fans to risk continuing.

Serbia should forfeit though.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 08:44 PM

What I've been watching in the past half an hour is an absolute disgrace. Match is being postponed again, probably will be suspended.

Posted by: Locke Lamora Oct 12 2010, 08:45 PM

The same thing happened when Bosnia came to play in Oslo, fans throwing flares and smoke bombs for no reason at all onto the pitch and disrupting the match.


Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 08:45 PM

Hopefully no innocent people will be hurt when they try to clear the stadium.

Posted by: samira Oct 12 2010, 08:47 PM

I probably should be a shame to say this, but Why in h3ll did we let go Huntelaar and bought Zlatan..
3-0 and a wonderful goal too.

Oh I was just kidding, It's 4-0..

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 08:47 PM

England aren't going to win this. Everytime we get in their half we're just getting kicked to peices.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 08:48 PM

Game suspended. I hope UEFA makes their voice heard and punishes those Serbian terrorists for good.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 08:49 PM

QUOTE (samira @ Oct 12 2010, 09:47 PM) *
I probably should be a shame to say this, but Why in h3ll did we let go Huntelaar and bought Zlatan..
3-0 and a wonderful goal too.


Is that supposed to be funny?

Posted by: CHU-LIP Oct 12 2010, 08:50 PM

QUOTE (samira @ Oct 12 2010, 09:47 PM) *
I probably should be a shame to say this, but Why in h3ll did we let go Huntelaar and bought Zlatan..
3-0 and a wonderful goal too.

Zlatan is still better than Klaas-Jan. This match doesn't change that. By the way, who in our team can cross? So what should we do with Huntelaar then?

Posted by: samira Oct 12 2010, 08:52 PM

No, but he worked his way in Netherland and he could have done that with Milan as well.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 08:53 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 12 2010, 08:48 PM) *
Game suspended. I hope UEFA makes their voice heard and punishes those Serbian terrorists for good.

Punish how? They can't ban Serbia from competition because then it's UEFA proving they have 1 rule for some, then another rule for others. A few Italian clubs have had games called off in Europe in recent years, with pathetic punishments like fines and behind closed doors matches.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Oct 12 2010, 08:54 PM

QUOTE (samira @ Oct 12 2010, 09:52 PM) *
No, but he worked his way in Netherland and he could have done that with Milan as well.

With what crosses? unsure.gif

Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 08:55 PM

Kurt, ffs, will you please stop with the martyr syndrome against UEFA? It's gotten very very old.

Posted by: samira Oct 12 2010, 08:56 PM

I didn't see your post tongue.gif But he has been way better then hewas in Milan and I think the way he plays with Netherland and WB is amazing

Posted by: Suhail 3 Oct 12 2010, 08:56 PM

Huntelaar is in a team performing 999x better tonight hes had chances on a plate an openings

stop this childish comparison ZLATAN over huntelaar any f@ccccccccckeeeen daaaaaaaay

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 08:57 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 09:53 PM) *
Punish how? They can't ban Serbia from competition because then it's UEFA proving they have 1 rule for some, then another rule for others. A few Italian clubs have had games called off in Europe in recent years, with pathetic punishments like fines and behind closed doors matches.


Ban Serbian fans from going into stadiums abroad for 200 years and play all domestic games behind closed doors.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:03 PM

QUOTE (Tennie @ Oct 12 2010, 08:55 PM) *
Kurt, ffs, will you please stop with the martyr syndrome against UEFA? It's gotten very very old.

Errr.. so are you saying that Italian clubs haven't had games called off in recent years? What I stated was fact and if UEFA are as fair as you believe them to be, the punishments should be the same. We'll see.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 12 2010, 09:08 PM

That's what you expect when a Balkan team plays a match. It's always on the edge. Totally disgracefull.

But that Football Italia article is hilarious. The same guys who rioted at Gay pride. Haha...how naive.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:10 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 12 2010, 09:08 PM) *
That's what you expect when a Balkan team plays a match. It's always on the edge. Totally disgracefull.

Not fair to lump them all in with each other. Montenegro have been a bit cynical with their play, but the fans have behaved superbly.

Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 09:12 PM

What I'm saying Kurt is that I'm very tired of your 'one rule for some, another rule for others' mantra about UEFA. They're not out to get England and trust me, Italy at least doesn't get special treatment.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:17 PM

QUOTE (Tennie @ Oct 12 2010, 09:12 PM) *
What I'm saying Kurt is that I'm very tired of your 'one rule for some, another rule for others' mantra about UEFA. They're not out to get England and trust me, Italy at least doesn't get special treatment.

I never mentioned England, interesting that you'd bring them up though.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 09:17 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 10:10 PM) *
Not fair to lump them all in with each other. Montenegro have been a bit cynical with their play, but the fans have behaved superbly.


True. I don't remember a single episode when Albanian fans have behaved in such manners during a NT game.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Oct 12 2010, 09:18 PM

Wow Montenegro this makes Van Bommel look like a fluffy puppy compared to this, it's literally like watching a bunch of talentless thugs.

Posted by: Tennie Oct 12 2010, 09:20 PM

y'know what, I'm stepping back. Should probably not have logged on today at all.

Not sure I like some attitudes in this place right now and what those attitudes are doing to my own.

People who know where to find me are more than welcome to email.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:20 PM

Young fouled in the box, booked for diving. laugh.gif

I've seen less contact in a De Jong tackle FFS.

Posted by: Boban10 Oct 12 2010, 09:21 PM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Oct 12 2010, 09:18 PM) *
it's literally a bunch of talentless thugs.


Enuff about england, what about Montenegro laugh.gif

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Oct 12 2010, 09:23 PM

I'm all for physical play and a contact sport, but this is a joke. Every time we go through its a nasty, nasty foul.

Any country would be complaining/annoyed about this, it's not because I'm English!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:23 PM

Jesus Christ, Ashley's gonna be dead before this game's done.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Oct 12 2010, 09:24 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 09:23 PM) *
Jesus Christ, Ashley's gonna be dead before this game's done.

They've managed to break his footwear, next his leg...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 12 2010, 09:24 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 10:10 PM) *
Not fair to lump them all in with each other. Montenegro have been a bit cynical with their play, but the fans have behaved superbly.

Belive me. It's the same theme, just variations. And Serbia plays the original, the main theme. Montenegro has plenty of time to show themselves off. Croatia did also in a few occasions.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:29 PM

Big Kev on for Crouch.

Well done to Kevin Davies on getting his debut. If Montenegro thought they were physical, wait until their defenders get a load of this.. laugh.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:37 PM

2 penalties not given. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Oct 12 2010, 09:39 PM

I wasn't sure about the Young one, but that handball was absolutely blatant.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 09:54 PM

0-0.

That's rare, a referee not giving a blatent decision in Englands favour, who'd have thought it? wink.gif

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Oct 12 2010, 09:57 PM

Yeah, it was definitely handball, still I felt like it was summer and I was back in June here, it's good to see we can play that bad in qualification as well.

Though I do pin some blame on Montenegro (as a football team) because some of their tackles were awful. I don't expect them to come and try and outplay us all guns blazing because that would be fairly optimistic for them. Though the way we were hacked down time and time again was unreal, there are other ways of defending.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 09:58 PM

If it makes you feel any better, Italy were denied a penalty that even a blind man would have seen. That is, before the game was suspended.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 10:04 PM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Oct 12 2010, 09:57 PM) *
Yeah, it was definitely handball, still I felt like it was summer and I was back in June here, it's good to see we can play that bad in qualification as well.

Though I do pin some blame on Montenegro (as a football team) because some of their tackles were awful. I don't expect them to come and try and outplay us all guns blazing because that would be fairly optimistic for them. Though the way we were hacked down time and time again was unreal, there are other ways of defending.

Yeah, what they did wasn't tackling, it was attacks. Attacks on British soil no less, we should declare war on the little *******.

I don't blame them though, I blame the ref. Barry and Davies got booked for nothing really, Young got booked for being fouled. Their players were kicking the crap out of ours and were getting no punishment, so they carried on because the ref let them.

Disappointing result, we should be winning every game at home. Bias or not, taking off Young while Johnson did nothing all second half was stupid, everything we did was coming from Young/Cole on the left. So we bring on Shaun "can't cross for" shite-Phillips.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 11:01 PM

Just listening on the radio. Italy will be likely given the 3-0 win, both teams possibly having to play the remaining games behind closed doors. The Serbians for the fans causing trouble, The Italians for the security not doing their job, with potential risk of harm to fans.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 12 2010, 11:04 PM

Haha, now Italy has tu suffer because a bunch of barbaric terrorists. Unbelivable.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 11:10 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 12 2010, 11:04 PM) *
Haha, now Italy has tu suffer because a bunch of barbaric terrorists. Unbelivable.

It's not right however you look at it. The Serbian NT have to forfeit a game and play with no fans because of some individuals.

Italian security is a risk to their own fans to be honest, you rarely see a game without a flare. I think I've seen 2 flares at Villa Park in my entire life, both followed up with life bans. It's not difficult to stop if you do your job properly.

It's a shame a bunch of retarded fans have to bring politics and **** into football. Some of the scenes at tonights game were a disgrace, I thought this kind of things was confined to the history books.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Oct 12 2010, 11:26 PM

At least Zambro and Pirlo will have more rest time wink.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 12 2010, 11:37 PM

Nah, I doubt Italy will be sanctioned in any way. It'd be just plain stupid. You didn't see the images Kurt, those ultra were simply animals. Flares or non-flares, it wouldn't have made a single difference. Besides, FIGC officials clam the Serb police gave no indication such dangerous fans were coming to Genoa.

As I write this, they've re-entered the stadium and are clashing with the Italian police.

QUOTE (Jack Bauer @ Oct 13 2010, 12:26 AM) *
At least Zambro and Pirlo will have more rest time wink.gif


Hey, I hadn't thought of it that way. biggrin.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 12 2010, 11:51 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Oct 12 2010, 11:37 PM) *
Nah, I doubt Italy will be sanctioned in any way. It'd be just plain stupid. You didn't see the images Kurt, those ultra were simply animals. Flares or non-flares, it wouldn't have made a single difference. Besides, FIGC officials clam the Serb police gave no indication such dangerous fans were coming to Genoa.

Maybe not images, but I've seen videos.

Allowing flares, cutters, whatever, into a stadium is not good enough. The game would have gone ahead in security did their job. How can they throw stuff onto the field of play if there's nothing to throw?

I personally wouldn't punish Italy, but Italian football/security needs an overhaul. While the real World needs to wake up and actually punish people for wrong doing, instead of a slap on the wrist and a warning.

Posted by: elcordobez Oct 13 2010, 03:55 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Oct 13 2010, 09:04 AM) *
Haha, now Italy has tu suffer because a bunch of barbaric terrorists. Unbelivable.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAKAaX-jcTg


It's ALL good,blessing in disguise Pirlo gets a weeks much needed rest biggrin.gif

Posted by: servbot Oct 13 2010, 06:17 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Oct 12 2010, 05:51 PM) *
Maybe not images, but I've seen videos.

Allowing flares, cutters, whatever, into a stadium is not good enough. The game would have gone ahead in security did their job. How can they throw stuff onto the field of play if there's nothing to throw?

I personally wouldn't punish Italy, but Italian football/security needs an overhaul. While the real World needs to wake up and actually punish people for wrong doing, instead of a slap on the wrist and a warning.


I've got to agree with Kurt here. If even half of the stuff in that article is true about what happened outside the stadium, the game should have been stopped, before players even took the field. I can't imagine those jackasses on the plexiglass should have gotten anything less than a taser to the face either. They should be lucky just to get that.

I am glad for the rest our guys will get though.

Posted by: servbot Oct 13 2010, 06:25 PM

QUOTE
Police investigating rioting at the Italy-Serbia game have detained 17 people, including the alleged ringleader, and UEFA warned that sanctions against Serbia could include disqualification from the European Championship or exclusion from future competitions.

The match in Genoa Tuesday was abandoned after seven minutes when Serbia fans threw flares and fireworks onto the field, burned a flag and broke barriers. Violent clashes continued through the night, injuring 16 people, including two policemen.

UEFA opened an investigation Wednesday and its disciplinary panel will hear the case Oct. 28.

Police found the alleged instigator of the rioting in the trunk of a bus that was to take the Serbian fans home from the Euro 2012 qualifier. Although his face was covered by a mask during the violence, police identified him by the tattoos on his arms and found explosive material in his possession.

Genoa police official Sebastiano Salvo identified the ringleader as 30-year-old Ivan Bogdanov, who climbed onto a barrier separating fans from the field, used a wire cutter to slice apart a mesh fence and launched fireworks onto the field.

Bogdanov didn't say anything when he was arrested and was being held in a Genoa jail under accusations of causing violence and damage and resisting arrest, Salvo said, adding that 600 pieces of fireworks and explosives were found in four bags inside the bus holding Serbian fans.

Serbian media reported that Bogdanov has a criminal record, including drug possession. He leads one of the most notorious Red Star Belgrade fan groups.

Of the 17 people detained, 16 were Serbian fans and one was an Italian, Salvo told The Associated Press.

Hours before the match, a flare was thrown at Serbia's top goalkeeper, Vladimir Stojkovic, inside the team bus, and Italy's squad found him trembling inside the Azzurri changing room when it arrived at Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

Stojkovic upset some Red Star Belgrade fans by moving to the fierce rival Partizan in the offseason.

Serbia's interior minister, Ivica Dacic, criticized Italian police for failing to prevent the riots or protect Serbian players, saying the Italians had been advised of the dangers a few hours before the match.

"The Italian police didn't even try to intervene, and their players seemed like they did not want to play the match," Dacic said.

However, Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic offered an official apology following discussions with Italian counterpart Franco Frattini, with Jeremic saying that Serbia recognizes Italy as one of its biggest supporters to enter the European Union, and that his government won't hesitate to adopt radical measures against the hooligans.

Tomislav Karadzic, head of Serbia's soccer association, said on his return to Belgrade that he believes the rioting was premeditated and apparently organized from Belgrade. He said "these guys did not go there by themselves."

The association said it will meet to discuss the incident as it braces for tough sanctions from UEFA.

UEFA will examine reports from its delegate in Genoa, David Petriashvili of Georgia, and match referee Craig Thomson from Scotland before issuing a verdict.

Serbian officials said the fans belong to the same far-right groups that clashed with police in Belgrade last Sunday while trying to disrupt a gay pride parade, leaving more than 150 people injured.

Serbia's Constitutional Court is scheduled on Wednesday to start discussions on a public prosecutor's demand to ban 14 fan groups mostly belonging to Red Star and Partizan Belgrade clubs.

Serbia fans also clashed with police before Tuesday's match and delayed the start of the game for 45 minutes. When the match finally began, more flares and fireworks were thrown onto the field and referee Thomson stopped the match at 0-0.

Serbia has faced increased criticism at home after losing 3-1 at home Friday to Estonia. That match marked the debut of new coach Vladimir Petrovic, who was called in when Radomir Antic was fired following a 1-1 draw at home with Slovenia last month, which only added to a crisis that began with a disappointing first-round exit from the World Cup.


ESPN

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 15 2010, 03:38 PM

Serbian FA going to meet with Platini to talk over possibility of match being replayed.

(Sky Sports News)

Posted by: Zed.D Oct 15 2010, 11:19 PM

Hmm... I don't know. it's not like the Serbian NT is responsible for the traveling fans' (or ultras' to be exact) behavior. the Italian police and stadium security were as much responsible, if not more. so I wouldn't mind a replay.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 15 2010, 11:41 PM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Oct 16 2010, 12:19 AM) *
Hmm... I don't know. it's not like the Serbian NT is responsible for the traveling fans' (or ultras' to be exact) behavior. the Italian police and stadium security were as much responsible, if not more. so I wouldn't mind a replay.


Pirlo and Zambrotta would. mad.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 16 2010, 01:08 AM

If your fans cause a match to be called off, then you have to forfeit. Not fair on the Serbian players, I know, but it's how it is. I'm sure some of these people have probably been in trouble for hooligan acts before, so you shouldn't let them travel to the country where your team is playing,

Posted by: Locke Lamora Oct 16 2010, 02:51 PM

Sepp Blatter knocks it out of the park again: “There are no fences and everyone is sitting in English stadiums. If this had been the case we would not have had the problems we had in Genoa yesterday at the match.”



"GIVE... US... SEATS!!!"

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 16 2010, 07:37 PM

QUOTE (Locke Lamora @ Oct 16 2010, 02:51 PM) *
Sepp Blatter knocks it out of the park again: “There are no fences and everyone is sitting in English stadiums. If this had been the case we would not have had the problems we had in Genoa yesterday at the match.”

And people wonder why I hate the man?

Seats don't make a difference, good security does. If anything seats will make things worse, it just gives them more to throw on to the field.

Posted by: X-Offender Oct 29 2010, 03:41 PM

Ronaldinho was called by Menezes for Brazil's coming friendly against Argentina on 17 November, along with T. Silva, Robinho and Pato.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Nov 14 2010, 08:06 PM

QUOTE
Ben Foster, Robert Green, Joe Hart;

Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Chris Smalling, John Terry;

Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, James Milner, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young;

Gabriel Agbonlahor, Jay Bothroyd, Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch.

I'm actually embarssed if I'm honest. The only way I can understand him coming up with this squad is if he was trying to pick as many players who haven't played this season.

Why were the FA thinking keeping him on after the World Cup.

Posted by: William405 Nov 14 2010, 08:19 PM

Well,he has good credentials ;p

Anyway,England are never destined for glory in the nationals.

Better stick with bragging about the premier league tongue.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Nov 14 2010, 10:57 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Nov 14 2010, 07:19 PM) *
Anyway,England are never destined for glory in the nationals.

Not when we have a coach who picks Jay Bothroyd, I'm not quite sure what was going through his head on that one.

Posted by: Zed.D Nov 17 2010, 08:40 PM

So.. Argentina beat Brazil with Messi's 92nd strike (some of the credit should go to Lavezzi for assisting Messi). it was an even game and Argentina didn't deserve to win. if anything, Brazil had twice as many shots as Argies did...

England-France about to start... tbh, out of the two, I prefer France, so viva les bleus!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Nov 17 2010, 09:25 PM

Benzema 1-0.

Did we fire Capello and hire Allerdyce before the game? That's a bit harsh actually.. Allerdyce plays better football than this.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Nov 17 2010, 09:50 PM

Boooring, Fabio out. Turning off.

Posted by: Zed.D Nov 18 2010, 10:51 AM

Yeah Fabio's time is up.. you actually made France look good.

-

Portugal 4-0 Spain ohmy.gif how about that!?

Also: http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Nani-ruins-Cristiano-Ronaldo-s-wonder-goal-again;_ylt=AvYncErjaN7JGZpNGaFQA0Amw7YF?urn=sow-286806 biggrin.gif

Posted by: Linkman Nov 18 2010, 03:49 PM

Bwahahah, oh Nani you...

Posted by: William405 Nov 18 2010, 04:57 PM

Nice one Nani!I for one hate C.Ronaldo...Especially for his dives...

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 19 2010, 07:44 PM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Nov 18 2010, 10:51 AM) *
Also: http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Nani-ruins-Cristiano-Ronaldo-s-wonder-goal-again;_ylt=AvYncErjaN7JGZpNGaFQA0Amw7YF?urn=sow-286806 biggrin.gif


What a douche.

Posted by: amancik Nov 20 2010, 01:18 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Nov 20 2010, 02:44 AM) *
What a douche.


Who are you referring to?

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 20 2010, 02:23 AM

QUOTE (amancik @ Nov 20 2010, 01:18 AM) *
Who are you referring to?


Obviously to Nani for ruining a fantastic goal.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 20 2010, 03:16 AM

Naah, he did brilliantly. A masterpiece it was, that Ronaldo look - priceless. Schadenfreude pure!!!

Posted by: Zed.D Nov 20 2010, 03:40 PM

What was that stupid linesman thinking? it was a friendly for crying out loud, and it's not like Nani was 10 yards offside (not to mention he apparently headed the ball after it had crossed the line). he should've let it be.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 20 2010, 03:43 PM

You really support Ronaldo? IMO he could have scored the best goal scored in a football match and I'd still hope it gets spoiled. Simply said: no linesman, no Nani, no offside - it's simply faith.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 20 2010, 04:09 PM

I think Ronaldo is tw@t, but that doesn't refrain me from thinking that he's a fantastic footballer, second only to Messi nowadays.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 5 2011, 11:53 PM

QUOTE
Foster, Hart, Stockdale; Baines, Cahill, A Cole, Dawson, Johnson, Lescott, Terry, Walker; Barry, Downing, Gerrard, Lampard, Milner, Parker, Walcott, Wilshere, Young; Agbonlahor, Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Rooney

Not a bad squad, but some pretty baffling decisions by Fabio again.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 6 2011, 12:06 AM

LOL, no Andy Carroll? I thought someone "worth" £35 million should have been NT material.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 6 2011, 12:07 AM

He's injured.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 6 2011, 12:09 AM

Oops, I guess I got pwned there. biggrin.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 6 2011, 12:10 AM

If I paid £35m for someone, I'd expect them to play if their head fell off!

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 8 2011, 12:03 AM

I see our players are already dropping like flies.

International friendlies, is there ever a more pointless thing? Our 'big' players count them as seriously as American Footballers count the Pro Bowl as you can tell if you've ever watched their 'effort'.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 8 2011, 01:58 PM

I think some friendlies are necessary. Otherwise, the only way you can try new players is by risking them in qualifiers and coaches can't really afford to do that in case they slip up.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 8 2011, 09:35 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 8 2011, 12:58 PM) *
I think some friendlies are necessary. Otherwise, the only way you can try new players is by risking them in qualifiers and coaches can't really afford to do that in case they slip up.

At least it's mid-week, so it doesn't impact the domestic stuff. A domestic weekend I'd choose a million times over to an international one.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 9 2011, 08:27 PM

Fair play to every Danish player singing their national anthem.

Rooney, Milner & Bent let us down, should be made to sing it. Obviously think they're too 'cool' - clowns.

Oh well, time for another horrendous performance. Wilshere being played out of position is going to make it harder for him to make any impact.

-------------------

Haha, didn't take long. We're so bad. laugh.gif laugh.gif

Fair play Walcott, great play, Bent taps it in. We're now world beaters.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 9 2011, 09:10 PM

Some players just don't sing it, nothing to do with being cool. I think it was Gary Neville that said when he plays, it's important to stay focused and keep emotion out of his game. Which is fair enough.

Going forward we look good, at the back it's just poor. Glenn Johnson is a dreadful defender.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 9 2011, 09:19 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 9 2011, 08:10 PM) *
Going forward we look good, at the back it's just poor. Glenn Johnson is a dreadful defender.

It's a pity, especially when young lads at 19 Wilshere was singing it, good on him. Same with Hart, Walcott etc. It's highly disrespectful not to sing it but they're footballers I guess.

Glen Johnson gives us all hope to play for England.

We're poor at the back, against a more than average side we would have been pulled apart, it could easily be 3-1 and this is Denmark (no major offence intended) but this isn't Germany, France, Brazil etc.

ITV are a bit harsh on Bent seem to be ignoring him and talking about Carroll already.

Taken the CL players off for the 2nd half I think.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 9 2011, 09:35 PM

Ash doing well since he came on!

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 9 2011, 09:41 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 9 2011, 08:35 PM) *
Ash doing well since he came on!

Quality player. Never thought he would be up to this level after seeing him a few times when he started at Watford though!

Picked apart, again. This isn't great.

Posted by: William405 Feb 9 2011, 09:44 PM

Red card for Hernanes :S


3 players in Brazil are from Acmilan.Silva,Robinho,Pato.

Also,Italy losing against Germany.1-0

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 9 2011, 09:44 PM

Just as we say that Ashley Young!

QUOTE
3 players in Brazil are from Acmilan.Silva,Robinho,Pato.

Fingers crossed no injuries, would be just our luck now.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 9 2011, 09:48 PM

Who's that running down the left and right?
Is it Shaun Wright-Phillips? No, he's fucking shite!
Is it Aaron Lennon? No, someone better tell em!
It's Ashley Young he's fucking dynamite!

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 9 2011, 09:49 PM

This is why Scott Parker is a far better acquisition than Charlie Adam.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 9 2011, 10:14 PM

Not a fan of Parker, but he was great today.

You can't partner Terry with a poor mans Terry at the back, has to be a Rio/Jagielka type player.

Posted by: William405 Feb 9 2011, 10:14 PM

Menez owning Brazil's defense hard...

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 9 2011, 10:15 PM

So what did we learn?

Joe Hart again looking good, first time in years I've not been expecting a mistake from our keeper, at least since Robinson first emerged and was harshly dealt with.

Glen Johnson is terrible, surely Micah Richards should be playing, or move a CB out to the right, there has to be better alternatives. This guy is a pure liability.

Darren Bent will score goals, given enough chances.

Ashley Young should be getting more of a look in the first team, at least coming on as a sub especially with Adam Johnson's injury.

Scott Parker is quality in that role. Never been that big of a fan of his but he's matured brilliantly in recent years.

Wilshere does have enough quality and looks a 'Barca' type youngster. Keeps the ball and doesn't try too many ott things, if only we had more players like him.

And finally, we are a better side without Rooney.

If a few of these aren't learnt, then I stick by my original statement of international friendlies being a complete waste of time.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 9 2011, 10:33 PM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Feb 9 2011, 09:15 PM) *
Joe Hart again looking good, first time in years I've not been expecting a mistake from our keeper, at least since Robinson first emerged and was harshly dealt with.

Most important thing of the night for me. He's been poor lately for Citeh and the media have started to jump on him. Another mistake or shaky performance tonight and it might have started to knocl his confidence. He's a very arrogant character though, so it doesn't seem to bother him which is good.

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Feb 9 2011, 09:15 PM) *
Glen Johnson is terrible, surely Micah Richards should be playing, or move a CB out to the right, there has to be better alternatives. This guy is a pure liability.

Yeah I'd rather have a CB that fairly comfortable on the ball at RB than him. They'd be solid defensively and could at least pick a pass going forward. Kelly at Liverpool has been great lately and is more of a defensive minded full back, wouldn't mind seeing him get a game.

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Feb 9 2011, 09:15 PM) *
Darren Bent will score goals, given enough chances.

Pretty much. He might score alot of 'easy' goals, but that's only because he's intelligent enough to get himself into a great position. Rooney doesn't get in the box enough when he plays up top.

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Feb 9 2011, 09:15 PM) *
Ashley Young should be getting more of a look in the first team, at least coming on as a sub especially with Adam Johnson's injury.

He's not got a fair crack at England. He'd come on for the last 20 in some games, not do anything of note, then be dropped for the next game because of it. Give him a chance and he'll deliver.

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Feb 9 2011, 09:15 PM) *
Scott Parker is quality in that role. Never been that big of a fan of his but he's matured brilliantly in recent years.

Wilshere does have enough quality and looks a 'Barca' type youngster. Keeps the ball and doesn't try too many ott things, if only we had more players like him.

I don't think Parker's exactly an answer to our problems, but he's got to be included in squads now. Don't think Wilshire was amazing or anything, but then he wasn't playing his best position. I suppose any experience he gets now could be important to him in the future, so he'll probably keep getting call ups.

Oh, well done Theo as well.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 9 2011, 10:42 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 9 2011, 09:33 PM) *
Most important thing of the night for me. He's been poor lately for Citeh and the media have started to jump on him. Another mistake or shaky performance tonight and it might have started to knocl his confidence. He's a very arrogant character though, so it doesn't seem to bother him which is good.

Pretty much. He might score alot of 'easy' goals, but that's only because he's intelligent enough to get himself into a great position. Rooney doesn't get in the box enough when he plays up top.

Don't think Wilshire was amazing or anything, but then he wasn't playing his best position. I suppose any experience he gets now could be important to him in the future, so he'll probably keep getting call ups.

I don't get it Hart is one of the best young goalkeepers out there. Why would we jump on him?! He's looked no more shaky than most Prem goalkeepers it's just because for 18 months he'd been playing like a machine. I wouldn't call him arrogant, confident though. He's not like CR in his interviews or anything!

Yep, you have to get into the position to score those, he's like a version of Van Nistelrooy really, not particularly flashy, not technically brilliant but can get to the positions to tap the ball home a lot of the time.

That's the thing Wilshere is never OTT at what he does, just that the ball possession and the way he spreads the play and moves about is amazing for a 19 year old. I say this, and I've said it before he looks like a young Spanish midfielder like a Xavi, Iniesta sort, same stature, same build, and a similar play style. Sorry if some people think it's only because he's English that I'm saying that but I'm not at all this boy can play. If he was a Barca youngster everyone would be hyping about him. I don't usually jump on the English player best player in the world mentality, I've never said that about Rooney and players a like but this guy is exceptional.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 10 2011, 01:05 AM

Only a friendly, but Iran won in Russia.

Posted by: Fishdoll Feb 10 2011, 03:18 AM

This fish thinks that Italy's draw with Germany in Dortmund was a pretty good result for Italy, all things considered. Prandelli seems to really have turned things around. There's still a good way to go but at least they're going in the right direction. Chiellini MOM for this fish - played as a fullback (did quite well, too).

EDIT: Also, +1 cookie.gif to Yepes, who did very well for Colombia v. Spain.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 10 2011, 05:38 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 9 2011, 07:05 PM) *
Only a friendly, but Iran won in Russia.

That still doesn't make slovenia's victory there in the qualification playoffs less spectacular,, i can still see Dedic scoring when i think about it smile.gif

Posted by: vahid Feb 10 2011, 11:15 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 10 2011, 01:05 AM) *
Only a friendly, but Iran won in Russia.


The match was played in UAE.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 10 2011, 03:00 PM

QUOTE (vahid @ Feb 10 2011, 10:15 AM) *
The match was played in UAE.

Ah, fair enough. Livescore had Russia as the home team, I forgot it could've been neutral.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 10 2011, 03:18 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 10 2011, 09:00 AM) *
Ah, fair enough. Livescore had Russia as the home team, I forgot it could've been neutral.

i could see how the similar climate would throw people off dry.gif
(insert Jack's sig here)

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 11 2011, 04:20 AM

I never saw the game!

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/England-are-to-declare-war-on-rule-bending-clubs-by-banning-players-who-fail-to-report-for-Three-Lions-duty-from-appearing-for-club-the-next-weekend-article694903.html

Gerrard would never play for Liverpool again if he keeps up his current England 'injury' drop-outs!

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 11 2011, 06:14 AM

laugh.gif @ the FA. Players dropping out isn't the reason we're bad.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 11 2011, 07:01 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 10 2011, 10:20 PM) *
I never saw the game!

i pray you could forgive me, it was just too tempting tongue.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 11 2011, 03:47 PM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Feb 11 2011, 05:14 AM) *
laugh.gif @ the FA. Players dropping out isn't the reason we're bad.

I think it's definitely part of it.

The whole 'Lampard and Gerrard can't play together' thing (it's a myth anyway) isn't exactly helped by the fact they never play friendlies together.

I don't think it matters if we're bad anyway, it's about respect for the most part - at least that's the impression I get. Making excuses not to play for your country is a disgrace and this'll sort it out.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 11 2011, 10:44 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Feb 11 2011, 02:47 PM) *
The whole 'Lampard and Gerrard can't play together' thing (it's a myth anyway) isn't exactly helped by the fact they never play friendlies together.

I don't think it matters if we're bad anyway, it's about respect for the most part - at least that's the impression I get. Making excuses not to play for your country is a disgrace and this'll sort it out.

I don't know Lampard & Gerrard doesn't seem to work, I do agree with that theory.

International friendlies at this time are a bit pointless this is why players were dropping out like flies especially the more established ones.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 20 2011, 03:45 PM

It's been reported that John Terry has been given back captaincy and Fabio hasn't talked to Ferdinand about it properly. I wouldn't be shocked if we lost next week and he was sacked. He's handling everything quite poorly and has clearly struggled to learn the language which seems to have lead to some communication problems between himself and the players.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Mar 20 2011, 04:13 PM

He should have talked to Ferdinand about it. Though the amount that Rio is out I can't say I'm surprised, he's more injured than Ledley King at the moment. Still, he can stay as English sports top-twitter man tongue.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 20 2011, 08:07 PM

QUOTE
Foster, Hart, Stockdale; Baines, Cahill, A Cole, Dawson, Johnson, Lescott, Terry, Walker; Barry, Downing, Gerrard, Lampard, Milner, Parker, Walcott, Wilshere, Young; Agbonlahor, Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Rooney

Agbonlahor? Seriously? A player that can't even get into the relagation threatened Villa side is in the England squad? Come on Fabio.


At least he has a few decisions to make regarding the team. Or will he just try and fit in all his favourites, playing them all out of position again?

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Mar 20 2011, 08:11 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Mar 20 2011, 07:07 PM) *
At least he has a few decisions to make regarding the team. Or will he just try and fit in all his favourites, playing them all out of position again?

If it turns into the ridiculousness of playing Gerrard on the left again it won't work. Still we're only playing Wales, they should be a relative walk-over, they don't have much class. It's just that the media is bigging it up because of the 'rivalry' at the end of the day this is a far easier game than Switzerland & Montenegro.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 20 2011, 08:23 PM

QUOTE (Milan Are Brilliant @ Mar 20 2011, 07:11 PM) *
If it turns into the ridiculousness of playing Gerrard on the left again it won't work. Still we're only playing Wales, they should be a relative walk-over, they don't have much class. It's just that the media is bigging it up because of the 'rivalry' at the end of the day this is a far easier game than Switzerland & Montenegro.

I'd go..

Hart

Walker - Cahill - Terry - Cole

Walcott - Gerrard - Barry - Downing

Rooney - Bent


..but I think it'll be..

Hart

Johnson - Lescott - Terry - Cole

Walcott - Lampard - Barry - Milner

Gerrard

Rooney


He might go Crouch up top with Rooney and drop Milner and play Gerrard left though.

EDIT: My bad, the squad I was shown was actually the last squad. blush.gif I apologise Don Fabio.. though if you do call Gabby up, you're a retard.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Mar 20 2011, 09:12 PM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Mar 20 2011, 07:23 PM) *
EDIT: My bad, the squad I was shown was actually the last squad. blush.gif I apologise Don Fabio.. though if you do call Gabby up, you're a retard.

laugh.gif laugh.gif

Ah, I'd agree with your 2nd starting line-up as to what it will be. I was thinking is Walcott even fit at the moment (haven't caught yesterdays highlights yet).

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